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Well, here we are. The season for good films has come and gone already. The Oscars are on Sunday, and although I’m excited, I can’t say what I’m excited for exactly. Hardly any films really captured me this year. But here’s a few that did.

As I already blogged, I thought this movie was amazing. I literally yelped with glee when I found out he was nominated — I wanted him to be recognized so badly. What a beautiful, subtle, and understated performance that too few big name actors could give. I watched it with my mom, and she called it the best movie she’s seen in a long time. I found a few holes in the plot upon my second watching, but I can look past that for such an original script.

If it hadn’t actually happened, I’d never believe it. Whenever I stumble a little or lose my balance a bit, I think of Philippe Petit on the wire between the Twin Towers. How could he do it? It’s a glorious story with great meaning for so many reasons. Philippe Petit is absolutely crazy, but I’m thankful for his craziness.

Though not a theatatrically realeased film, it’s the one that affected me the most. It’s astoundingly accurate, and Paul Giamati has won my respect once again for his brilliant performance. I hope he gets more roles like this…it reminded me of how good he was in American Splendor.

I actually forgot how much I enjoyed it at the time. It hasn’t held up for me mentally like the other three films above. I’m not a superhero girl at all, but this one and Batman Begins were really fantastic portrayals of that genre. I don’t think it should have been nominated for best picture, and I think any argument for such is pretty lame. It’s a great movie played by excellent actors, but it’s still basically an action/adventure film with more emotion than the average action/adventure film.

I’ve seen all but one of the best picture nominees, Frost/Nixon, though I plan to see it tomorrow. I’ve seen almost all the other acting nominees, except Doubt, The Wrestler, Frozen River, and Rachel Getting Married.

I assume the highly overrated Slumdog Millionaire will win it all. If the film hadn’t included the far-fetched love story, I would have liked it better. I also feel like it’s become the token foreign film for a lot of people.

Greats of 2008 Soundtrack

For the past two years, I’ve made a mix CD for friends featuring my favorite music of the past year. It’s not always songs from my favorite albums, but they are songs that I consistently rewound for second or third plays in a row. Here’s what made the cut this year.

The Re-arranger – Mates of State: Possibly my second favorite song of the year. A late find for me. I’m so glad they stopped shouting because they can make really beautiful music.

Two Ways – The 1900s: This is a version from Daytrotter that was recorded in February, though I think the song is from 2007. No matter, it’s a brilliant one.

Oxford Comma – Vampire Weekend: I hated this song at first because I thought “Who gives a fuck about an Oxford Comma” was a stupid way to open a song. It is still, but the rest of the rich melody makes up for it. I love how he sings “put the chap stick on your lips”.

Weather to Fly – Elbow: I don’t like the beginning of this song, but I love how he goes “perfect weather to fly” then immediately follows it with another “weather to fly” sung higher in this almost churchly fashion. It’s like when you first hear a Brit say something but it sounds like they’re asking a question, because they end on a higher note. Love it.

Flume – Bon Iver: For some reason “Skinny Love” became everyone’s fave off the album, but the first track is the killer for me. I’m a sucker for weird droney feedbacky sounds.

Among the Pines – A.A. Bondy: Another Daytrotter session. I’m not sure when this originally came out, but I think this Dylan wannabe has a lot of talent. No matter what all the mean, old folks at the Bondy/Heartless Bastards show said.

Acid Tongue – Jenny Lewis: I rarely fully memorize songs any more, mostly because I don’t understand lyrics very well and I don’t bother sitting down with the lyric book like I did in high school. But this one stuck to me right away, and I’m happy for that.

Librarian – My Morning Jacket: This song is about me and my kind. And I think it’s sexy when he says “duck into the men’s room” even though it’s probably the worst part of the song.

Here we are at last – my favorite music of 2008. Like one of my comrades in music inspection, this was a hard one. I think it was a great year for music, in the sense that I liked and purchased a lot of albums. More than any other year, probably. But there were no real stand out obvious choices, except for my top one. But even then, it wasn’t like Sufjan Stevens or Midlake where I listened to the album every day and memorized the whole thing. Or maybe I’m just too old for that now.

10. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer: Although I’ve hardly listened to the second half of this album, the songs that are good are really innovative, and deserve recognition here. [For whatever that's worth.] I never paid attention to this band until I heard “Call It a Ritual” with its off-kilter piano this year and immediately loved it. These guys make great hooks with a mean guitar. I listened to Apologies to the Queen Mary to make up for lost time, but it felt empty to me. Still, I predict that Wolf Parade have a long and varied career.

9. Bob Dylan – Tell Tale Signs, The Bootleg Series Vol. 8: The last decade or so of Dylan’s career has seen a resurgence of his talent finally. Was it really gone or was he just putting his energy into something none of us understood (his Christianity and desire for shitty production)? Anyway, this set makes his voice sound great and showcases his amazing band. They are so tight, which from what I understand, is diffcult to do with Dylan. Greatest songwriter ever, so shutup you hipster haters.

8. Sam Phillips – Don’t Do Anything: I’d never heard of this chick until Bob Boilen was gabbing about her Tiny Desk Concert at NPR. From what I read, I thought I wouldn’t be interested, but my gut told me to give it a try. Boy am I glad I have a smart gut. The sound of this album is really surprising — it’s just as full of distortion as the Magnetic Fields were in January, and the songwriting is almost of equal caliber. This was my biggest, and happiest, surprise of 2008 for sure. She’s certainly not for the hardcore hipsters though.

7. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend: To be fair, I’d probably put this one higher if not for all the hype and subsequent backlash. Yeah, I can ride a bandwagon with the best of ‘em. But really, this is a clever album with sounds pop music hasn’t heard since Paul Simon’s Graceland. I’m hoping they’ll grow up with their next album, stop talking about the east coast and college, and even ditch the Afropop. They’ve got real potential. But they’ll probably just break up. Or pretend not to like The Strokes.

6. Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue: She does it again, though in an only slightly less country way. She’s sly with her songs — you really need to pay attention. Ditch Rilo Kiley, Jenny, you’re better without them.

5. Elbow – The Seldom Seen Kid: This was my favorite album for a really long time, and I’m glad it won the Mercury Prize. But then suddenly all the sentimentality lost its luster, and I think a lot of it had to do with the totally lame video for “The Bones of You“, an otherwise brilliant song. Now I’m turned off by it, but I predict that it will become meaningful again in the future.

4. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago: I already included this in my Lists of 2007, but it deserves another highlight here. I’m so happy that Justin Vernon has made such a splash around the world with this gorgeous album. MOJO even interviewed him at home in Eau Claire (where I lived during college for 4.5 years)! And he’s following it up with an EP next month, so keep your ears peeled.

3. Department of Eagles – In Ear Park: I can’t understand why this album is missing from so many lists this year. I’ve liked Grizzly Bear (both featuring Daniel Rossen), but never got as obsessed with Yellow House or Friend as I did this one. The soundscape on this album is miraculous. It’s what Brian Wilson wished That Lucky Old Sun could sound like. Heavenly…

2. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges: Screw you, haters of this album. I love that the sounds are all over the place. I love that it’s overproduced in spots (that’s the only time you’ll ever hear me say that). I love the proggy sound (again, that’s the only time you’ll hear me say that). This album had nothing going for it in terms of my musical taste. But every song is amazing because Jim James knows how to sing, play guitar, and write fine songs. It’s as simple as that. It’s the Revolver of 2008. I hope MMJ make their Sgt Pepper next year.

1. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes & Sun Giant [EP]: Best newish band of the year. Best live act for me. Best songs. Part Shins, part Midlake, all Northwest, pastoral, bearded goodness. While I was in Oregon earlier this year, driving through deep woods, my mind’s soundtrack kept repeating “White Winter Hymnal“. Absolutely perfect.

I was thinking of having a post about all the non-music things that I saw or got into this year, but I realized that it would involve a lot of research and memory. Plus, I haven’t seen too many movies this year, and I’m not used to reviewing plays, so I’m sticking to music.

Missed ‘Em

Here’s some music that I’ve seen on some best of 2008 lists that I’d like to spend more time with.

Beach House – Devotion: I liked their last record, but I didn’t even realize that they had a new one this year. That’s what I get for paying more attention to NPR than Pitchfork.

No Age – Nouns: Even Rolling Stone had this in their top albums. I can’t let Rolling Stone get the best of me.

The Walkmen – You & Me: I have liked their stuff in the past (namely their Pussycats cover record), but they seem a little too macho. Like old school, sloppy “We’re dudes in a band! Let’s party!” types (The Hold Steady is another example). But I heard a couple songs from this album and really liked the mood they set.

Deerhunter – Microcastle / Weird Era Cont.: I get all the “deer” bands messed up and I think I thought this was Deerhoof, who I do not like, so I skipped it. But then I happened to hear a song and was impressed. It was an acousticy number, which I find myself almost exclusively attracted to these days.

Santogold – Santogold: So far not what I expected. Love that.

Nearly Favorites

And now, working up to my top 10, here’s the albums that didn’t make the big list. These are albums I did spend time with, or saw on tour, but didn’t really get obsessed with.

M83 – Saturdays = Youth: This is not my typical musical taste. I hate synths. I can’t stand most 80s/New Wave songs…it’s all so unorganic sounding. But for some reason — maybe it was the mystery each song leaves you with, or the fantastic trip the entire album takes you on — but this album was my work soundtrack for weeks. It sounded very familiar to me, but not trite, and that’s hard to accomplish.

Stephen Malkmus – Real Emotional Trash: I think Malkmus keeps getting stronger and stronger both as a songwriter and as a guitarist. This is no Face the Truth, but it says a lot that I actually love the long guitar solos on this record. Just good, raw guitar rock. Janet Weiss was a perfect addition to the Jicks. This might also be the only worthwhile Matador album of 2008. What’s up with them?

She & Him – Volume 1: I debated on not including this in any of my lists since Paste named it their album of the year. As I commented on Stereogum, I think this album is a step backward for music. I know M. Ward doesn’t mean it this way, but the idea of the album reeks of Ike backing Tina Turner or Phil backing Ronnie Spector. I suppose Zoey needed someone to legitimize her foray into music. She does have a great voice, and her songwriting chops are commendable. But it gets boring. It’s a step backward in music. It’s not like Fleet Foxes who have taken the folk history of rock and turned it into something beautiful and important for today. It’s just a bunch of simple songs that sound good. Lots of people can do that.

Sigur Ros – Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust: I respect and admire Sigur Ros more than I actually enjoy listening to them. I love hearing the music, but it’s sometimes emotionally draining to hear it repeatedly. Even the happy songs feel draining. I’m glad they made a poppier record that remained true to themselves.

Spirtitualized – Songs in A+E: I was very briefly obsessed with this one, I guess because it’s so stark and depressing. But listening to it weeks later made me feel icky, which I think is intentional. The creepy romanticism I’ve always associated with him doesn’t work for me much any more.

Like last year, I’d like to highlight the not-so-new music that I finally discovered or re-discovered since January. Between my list here and Pitchfork’s suspicious 500 Songs of the last 30 years, I hope some hipsters will discover some goodies over five years old.

Billy Joel – Glass Houses: I happened to hear Chuck Klosterman mention this album on MPR, so I used Rhapsody to check it out. If I had first heard that this is Joel’s attempt at new wave or punk-type sounds, I would have never listened. But it is his reaction to those genres, and I gotta say that I agree with him all the way. I spent time with other Joel albums this year, but I liked none of them as consistently as I liked Glass Houses. Piano Man comes in second.

Bob Dylan & The Band – The Basement Tapes: This is one of those albums I’ve read about for so long that I thought I had actually heard it. I love this impromptu sound — so gritty yet warm.

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814: Of course I’d loved this album since junior high or whenever it was, but I got the Jimmy Jamm/Terry Lewis bug in May and just had to download this album. Why can’t hip hop production sound this good any more? Every song is so strong and original. Wake up, producers, and learn from your forefathers.

Bob Dylan – The Rolling Thunder Revue: It’s my second year of getting up to speed on Dylan, and as another item on this list already shows, I’m just getting started. As mentioned in a previous post, I could not get this album out of my head, especially the joyful version of “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall”. That tour sounds like magic.

George & Ira Gershwin: I suppose I’ve been a fan without realizing it. Songs from “An American in Paris” are among my favorites from that era. But it wasn’t until I saw an American Masters episode about George that I really got interested. Another one who died too young…

Elton John – Honkey Chateau: As mentioned in an earlier post, I think early Elton John is pretty gay rad. Love it. Any recommendations for another Elton album for me to check out (besides Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Empty Sky)?

We’ve finally made it. The US has a swell new prez, there’s more cute cat videos online than ever before, and Britney Spears may actually come back to some state of normalcy. It’s a great time to post some best of lists!

I’m starting with my favorite shows of 2008 because what I witnessed was amazing time and time again. Some shows were little, some big, but nearly all exciting and memorable.

Favorite Shows

Fleet Foxes – 7th Street Entry, July 20: Whenever I think about the great shows I saw this year, Fleet Foxes is the first one that comes to mind. The intimacy was overwhelming. Being that close to the band made me aware of how rare it is for voices so beautiful to come together and make such wonderful music. Some bands are built for greatness, and I think Fleet Foxes is one of them.

The National & REM – Xcel Energy Center, June 5: Maybe it was my great seats, or maybe it was the singalong factor that is so rare for shows I normally see, but Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, etc. really know how to pack a punch. Stipe is a vain clown on stage, encouraging you to have a great time. The National doesn’t quite work the crowd the same way, but they proved to be a big hit for the over 40-set. I was proud of them, in a strange way. Like, “Yes, the indie kids won over the oldies!”

Sigur Ros – Orpheum Theater, September 25: An absolutely stunning show that left the girls behind us crying and me with goose bumps. I have never seen a concert like Sigur Ros. I expected a small orchestra for some reason, instead it was just a rock band making orchestral-caliber music.

Magnetic Fields – Madison WI, October 11: If I was making a list of funniest shows of 2008, Magnetic Fields would be at the top. The opening PowerPoint presentations by Liz Clayton and Paul Lukas created an LOL ambiance seldom felt at presentations or rock concerts. The band’s musicianship is amazing — turning the songs from Distortion into little folk ditties you’d swear were from 16th century Ireland if not for the modern references.

St Vincent- Cedar Cultural Center, February 22: Continuing my fascination with this singer/songwriter, St Vincent proved once again that her songs are better live than recorded. This time, she had a band, which I thought would diminish her strong presence. Instead it augmented her sound without pushing her aside. Hopefully I can see her again in 2009 and make it three years in a row.